This October, Eat Well MCR is bringing back Eat Well, Do Good – a city-wide initiative inviting people to support local hospitality and help provide meals for people who need them most.
Throughout the month of October, restaurants, bars, and venues across Greater Manchester will raise funds for Eat Well MCR by donating a portion of proceeds, creating special dishes or drinks, or hosting fundraising events. For the public, it’s a simple idea: enjoy the best of Manchester’s hospitality scene and support a cause that helps feed people facing tough times.
Born in 2020 during lockdown, Eat Well MCR was created by Manchester chef and restaurateur Mary-Ellen McTague, and two friends, Gemma Saunders and Kathleen O’Connor, as a means to share the joy of food and provide free meals and a moment of respite to vulnerable people. Over the past 5 years, Eat Well has recorded over 130,000 chef-made meals delivered to those in need. This year’s campaign builds on that work, encouraging both regular supporters and new venues to take part.
Last year’s festivities saw 32 venues and chefs across the city unite to serve up extraordinary dishes, host pop-up dining experiences, craft signature cocktails, and host a variety of fundraising activities. As a result, the initiative raised £8,600, which funded meals for 4,300 people, including the homeless, families in vulnerable situations, individuals who rely on food banks, and children eligible for free school meals.
Participating restaurants already include Lina Stores, Maray, Stow, Bar Renae, 10 Tib Lane, Chorlton Cheesemongers, Jefes Barbers, Hello Oriental, and Louis Restaurant – which will officially launch the month-long initiative with a special event on Tuesday 30th September, with more details on tickets to come shortly. All Manchester businesses are welcome to be a part of Eat Well, Do Good, with more information on how to sign up on their website.
Mary-Ellen McTague, Co-founder of Eat Well, said:“After a hugely successful debut for Eat Well, Do Good last year, we’re so pleased we can bring this initiative back on an even larger scale. The campaign is centred around our mission to promote food equity in our communities. We’re so grateful to all the amazing local hospitality operators for getting involved as without them, we wouldn’t be here.
“This year, we’re aiming to raise even more money and are encouraging the region’s restaurants and bars to take part in any way they can.”
